Yesterday I ran a half marathon and I could not help but notice all the similarities between running and any worthwhile accomplishment. We begin with excitement and anticipation. The crowd may cheer us on at the beginning of a race or any major life goal. "You can do this!" the spectators shouted as the runners began. I texted a few of my friends. "I'm running a half marathon today! Wish me luck!" The music played on the speakers as we set off.
I was feeling very motivated, focused, and excited at Mile 2. "The race finally began! And here I am doing it!" I thought to myself.
As I pressed on, I noticed the runners were more spaced out now. Many were quicker than me, but I reminded myself we all have the same goal in the end. This also happens with other figurative "finish lines." Just because someone is doing something seemingly faster or easier, it does not take away what own growth. You will get there in due time.
After about the five mile mark, self-doubt started to creep in. "I am not even half way over." I thought to myself. Half marathons are 13.1 miles and I had a long way to go. "Maybe I should stop." My legs hurt and I had a lot of other things to do with my morning. But just then a few spectators encouraged me. "You got this! Keep going!" they shouted. I thought, "I don't believe them. Do they know I am not even half way over?" But their cheers and smiles pushed me to run more. So I pressed on. Sometimes, all you can do is look to your cheerleaders when your energy is depleted to keep pressing forward.
Little wins kept me going after the halfway mark. For example, this natural or human-made smile brightened me up!
I knew I was getting close after I saw the 11 mile sign. "Just two more miles to go! You got this!" I thought to myself as I was able to give self-encouragement as others did earlier. My friend was meeting me at the finish line and I was so thankful for her support as well as my family I was intermittently texting along the way. Subsequently, mile 12 was easy and finally I was DONE!
And guess what? I even got an award for persistence! Proving once again Aesop's fable still rings true "slow and steady wins the race." Literally and figuratively.
What is your current "race" in life? Remember that slow and steady wins and that I am cheering for you on. Because, remember, you got this!
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Valerie, This is a great story and congratulations on your accomplishment! Your thoughts about where other runners are reminded me of the expression, we each need to focus on running our own race!
Bravo on your persistence...clapping for your award!